Having lost 50 pounds herself by cutting out processed foods, Cindy now helps her clients maintain their happy weight and get back their energy by creating a personalized “roadmap to health” that suits their unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

What’s for dinner? That’s the million dollar question, right? You forgot to thaw out something, you’re working late and you come home starving with several other mouths to feed. Sound familiar? Don’t hit up the drive-thru or order in a pizza, let’s figure this out together! Check out my simple tricks and enjoy these four recipes to get a healthy meal on the table in 10 minutes.

1. Act like a Scout and Be Prepared!

Shop for pantry staples and always keep root veggies like carrots, potatoes, and onions on hand. They take longer to spoil. These can be quickly cooked by dicing, shredding, or slicing and steamed or baked. Stock your pantry with spices, herbs and healthy marinades to quickly add flavor without preservatives.

2. Meal Prep on the Weekends

When you get home from the grocery store or farm market, take a few minutes to wash, cut and prepare a few of your veggies. I like to chop broccoli and cauliflower florets, shred some carrots for a stir-fry and trim green beans for an upcoming side dish.

3. Cook Once, Eat Twice (or more!)

Measure out 2 cups of rice, quinoa, or wild rice and make it before your busy week starts. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or chicken stock.

4. Stretch a Meal

On Sundays, I like to roast a whole chicken with a side of vegetables and a salad. Our family of four only eats about ½ of the chicken. I pull off the rest of the meat and cube a breast for chicken salad (tomorrow’s lunch) and shred the rest to make enchiladas, tacos or chicken noodle soup.

Then, I save the carcass and put it into the crock pot to make homemade chicken stock. If you don’t have time, you can always freeze the bones and make it later.

5. Utilize Leftovers Smartly

I like to make more than what we’ll eat in one meal. Who doesn’t like leftovers? For example, I’ll make two pork tenderloins, one to enjoy that night and one to turn into my pork tenderloin cashew stir-fry another night that week.

Make sure you store your leftovers properly in fridge and consume within 1-2 days.

6. Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast for dinner is always a huge hit in our house. Eggs take under 2 minutes to cook and make for a great source of protein.

To make a quick Frittata, scramble some eggs, toss in some leftover veggies or protein from another meal and top with shredded cheese. Place the pan in the oven for 10 minutes on 350°.